Which of the following statements about zero is true?

Which of the following statements about zero is true?

• A. Zero is a positive number
• B. Zero is a negative number
• C. Zero is neither positive nor negative
• D. Zero is only an even number

Answer: (C)

Zero is defined as a neutral value in the number line, meaning it does not possess the qualities of positivity or negativity. While positive numbers are greater than zero and negative numbers are less than zero, zero itself exists at the midpoint between them. This unique property of zero makes it neither a positive nor a negative number. Additionally, zero is classified as an even number, as even numbers are defined by their divisibility by two, and zero fits this criterion (0 ÷ 2 = 0). However, the assertion that zero is "only an even number" does not hold because zero encompasses both the characteristics of being neither positive nor negative and being even. Therefore, the statement that best captures the nature of zero is that it is neither positive nor negative.

Zero is defined as a neutral value in the number line, meaning it does not possess the qualities of positivity or negativity. While positive numbers are greater than zero and negative numbers are less than zero, zero itself exists at the midpoint between them. This unique property of zero makes it neither a positive nor a negative number.

Additionally, zero is classified as an even number, as even numbers are defined by their divisibility by two, and zero fits this criterion (0 ÷ 2 = 0). However, the assertion that zero is "only an even number" does not hold because zero encompasses both the characteristics of being neither positive nor negative and being even. Therefore, the statement that best captures the nature of zero is that it is neither positive nor negative.